Filipino workers warned vs sponsorship schemes

Most illegal sponsorship cases uncovered by the CNMI Department of Labor involve Filipino workers who paid anywhere from $500 to $1,000 or more to individuals who will present themselves as “employers” just so the workers can remain in the CNMI.

Because of the number of cases involving Filipino nationals, the Philippine Consulate General has reiterated its warning against engaging in sponsorship schemes.

“We discourage people from entering into sponsorship arrangements. We do not approve of that,” Philippine Consul Belinda Ante told Saipan Tribune. “Workers should be careful because sponsorships can lead to trouble.”

While the Philippine government sympathizes with workers who want to better themselves, Ante said it does not condone their engaging in illegal agreements.

“We are in a foreign land and we have to follow their rules and laws…Majority of those [involved in the] sponsorship cases didn’t approach us,” said Ante.

Most of the Filipino workers who knowingly entered into sponsorship deal have lost their job and could not find another legitimate employment. Because they want to stay in the CNMI, they offer money to “employers” who will file an application with Labor to hire them. Once their application is approved, they continue to have legal status to remain in the CNMI even though they’re not provided work by their supposed employer, in violation of CNMI laws and regulations.

The consul said illegal sponsorship is happening not only in the CNMI but in other countries as well. “That’s why the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration reminds workers to deal with POEA accredited employers,” she added.

A recent sponsorship scheme uncovered by Labor involved 24 Filipinos and their “employer,” Leon H. Lizama. Five of the 24 workers cooperated with Labor to uncover the scheme, which found Lizama liable. Labor administrative hearing officer Jerry Cody ordered Lizama to pay $12,000 and permanently barred him from hiring foreign workers.

Another recent case involved 13 Filipino workers who each paid $1,000 to Elenita E. Camacho to file employment applications for nonexistent jobs. Of the 13 workers, only 11 were granted employment transfer.

Just like the first “employer,” Camacho was also permanently barred by Labor from hiring nonresident workers in the CNMI or from employment as a nonresident worker in the CNMI. Labor administrative hearing officer Herbert D. Soll issued two separate orders sanctioning Camacho $500 for each of the 13 violations, for a total of $6,500.

One of the reasons why Labor has been able to detect a sponsorship arrangement is their familiarity with the many legitimate employers in the CNMI. For example, when Labor notices that a single employer submits five, 10, 15 or more applications to hire workers, then they would look closer.